Doughnut machine



May 27, 1941 A. s. T. LAGAARD DOUGHNUT MACHINE Filed March 8, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l Alexander SST. La gaard May 27, 1.941.

A. s. T. LAGAARD} DOUGHNUT MACHINE Filed March 8, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 Alexander $.T. Lagaa'td.

g li II'IIIIIIIIIIIIII Patented May 27, 1.941-

.UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application -March 8, 1940, .Serial No. 322,921

131 Claims.

My invention relates to doughnut machines and particularly to the type utilizing a case enclosed at the sides by transparent panels and having a kettle therein, and has for an object to provide a doughnut machine in which the fumes are efi'ectively removed from the machine.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a doughnut machine in which a suction is created within the case to remove the fumes therefrom.

An object of the invention resides in providing a doughnut machine in which fresh air is drawn into the case and caused to travelalong the transparent panels to prevent deposit thereon of the cooking liquid from the fumes thereof.

Another object of the invention resides in 'providing a doughnut machine in which the fumes are drawn downwardly and out of the case.

A feature of the invention resides in providing a doughnut machine in which the fumes are drawn out of the chamber above the kettle through an inlet situated along the periphery of the cooking kettle.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a doughnut machine in which the blower and all pipes connected to the same are concealed within the case of the doughnut machine below the kettle.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter illustrated and/or described.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a plan sectional view of a doughnut machine illustrating an embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational cross sectional view taken on line 2--2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevational sectional view taken on line 33 of Fig. 2.

In the drawings I have shown a doughnut machine A which consists of a case l including a framework II. This framework comprises four uprights l2 situated at the corners of the case, which uprights have welded to 'them longitudinally extending intermediate frame members l3 and transversely extending intermediate frame members M. The uprights l2 further have secured to them, at their lower ends, lower longitudinal frame members l5 and lower transverse frame members it. These frame members are constructed to lie flush with the outer surfaces of the uprights l2. The frame members l5 and 16 have attached to the same at the localities of the uprights I2, bosses I! which support caster wheels [8 by means of which the case is supported on the floor. If desired, other types of supports may be used instead of the caster wheels I8.

Attached to the framework H upon the exterior thereof are a number of sheet metal panels which provide side walls 45 and 46 and end walls 41 and 48. These panels may be secured to the uprights l2 and to the frame members [3, l4, l5 and IS in any desired manner as by means of screws, not shown. These panels extend only one-half way up the outer flanges of the frame members l3 and I4 for a purpose to-be subsequently more fully described. If desired, one of the panels, for instance the panel forming the wall 46, may be made removable or in the form of a door to give access to the interior of the case [0.

Within the framework H is disposed a cooking kettle B which is constructed with a bottom [9 and with vertical walls 2| extending upwardly therefrom. The vertical walls are connected at their uppermost ends with upper walls 22, and the various walls are so arranged as to form a channel 23 which extends throughout the major portion of the kettle and which provides a way along which the doughnuts may travel. The kettle B has one corner of the same removed as designated at 24, leaving a main portion 25 of the width of the case I!) and of a length equal to about two-thirds of the length of the same. This construction also providesan extension 26 to the-kettle which extends up to the end wall terminates in a lip 28 projecting upwardly from the extreme edge thereof.

The kettle B is supported on a number of brackets 5| which are welded to the uprights l2. Bosses 3! formed on the underside of the ledge 21 rest on these brackets. Screws 52 extending through said brackets and threaded into the bosses 3| hold the kettle properly supported within the framework l l.

The channel 23 is arranged to provide a straight run 32 which commences in close proximity to the wall 41 and follows along the wall 46. The channel 23 at the end of the run 32 makes a curve 33 which leads into another straight run 34 following along the wall 48. .At the end of this run the channel has another curve 35 which leads into still another straight run 36 which follows along the wall 45. At the end of the run 36 the channel is constructed with a loop which communicates with a diagonally extending straight run 31. The latter run is connected by a curved portion 38 with another straight run 39, parallel with the run 34. The run 39 is connected to a curved run 53 which in turn is connected to another straight run 54. The run 54 discharges into a reservoir 55 which is merely an enlargement of the said run. From this reservoir a short run 56 is provided which forms part of-a, loop 51: connected to the beginning of the run 32;

The walls 45, 46, 41 and 48, as Well as the frame members 13 and I4, are disposed below the kettle B. Adjacent the said kettleareprovicled extensions 58 of the sheet metal panels which form the walls 45, 48;41'and 48; which extensions extend upwardly-above the ledge 21: and the lips 28 thereon. These extensions have laterally and inwardly projecting.v flanges 6| which terminate in downwardly turned lips. 6?v By means of this construction a guard is pro' vided;which is spaced from the lip; 28-and-ledger 2.1. The kettle B at the,-loca1ity-of;the'lip; 28:15 smaller in dimensions than the interior of" the case C so that a space 63 is provided -whichextendscompletely; about the kettle and separates the kettle from the casefto. prevent transmission of heat fromthe kettle tether-case.

Toy-further assist inpreventing transmission ofheat from-the-caseto the exterior a circumferentially extending insulating-pad fl is employed: which projects from the outermost, walls of, theway 23 to theedge-of the ledgeZ'l: This insulating padmay be: constructed as vasheet metal container 35 of thedesired: formhaving a filling 630i-insulating;material therein; The height of i the pad 64 is slightly greater than the depthof-the kettle B. Disposed- ,beneaththe pad 64 is a horizontal insulating pad 61 constructed in thesamemanner; This padis attached to the kettle proper'by means of; bolts: 68;which pass through said pad; and are threaded intoportions of the kettle disposedyoutwardly of the channel in the same.- By meanspf-thkconstruction the padmay be-removed-to expose the :electric heaters- 69- which aregmounted underneath the kettle and-attached to the-bottom I9. in anysuitable manner; as bymeans; of-clamp: bars- H shownin the; drawings.

The case 6 isconstructed-with two additional uprights 89 which are attached, to the frame members Hand to which the; extensions58iare, secured. These uprights-and;theuprights, l2- at4 wall 48 projectupwardly above the kettle. B; These four, uprights have detachably; secured to. them at their upper endslongitudinallyijextenda ing; upper frame members. 9| anditransverse. frame members 92. These frame=members';sup-s port a hood 93 whichencloses theupper portion of the case C. A plate .94-is securedtto'thezundersides of; the frame members; 9 l,:and'192;and closes the interior of; thecase Cjaloove the kettle-B; The; space 95; formed between; the hood 93 and the plate 94; serves to retard heat transmission; from the interior of the case. C. to. the exterior; and also provides a space in -;whichelectric lights for-illuminatingithe case Cand a.-receptacle for reserve cookingliquid may be; contained; These featuresinot forming any part of the present invention have-not been shown in l the drawings.-

The caseiCiincludes four glass panels 88+which extendjupwardly above the walls45, 45, 4T and 48.: These panels are guided for sliding movemerit :in guides 95 secured to the uprights J2 and 89;, These glass panels' rest on supporting=strips-- flllwhichi are attached'to the -extensions 58$ By means of this construction a chamber is formed above the portion 25 of the kettle B. It will be noted that the panels 88 fall short of the hood 93 so that air inlets 98 are provided at the upper portion of the case by means of which air may enter into the chamber 60 of the case.

The angle frame members 13 and M of frame H are disposed somewhat. below the insulating pad 61; To the'upper-flanges of'these frame members is attached a bottom H1 which is formed partly from a. plate 12. The bottom 10 is situated below the pad 6'! and forms in conjunction therewith a chamber 13. This chamher is in communication with the passageway 63, previously referred". to;

In thecornerofjthe case C formed between the walls 46and 48' thereof is provided a shelf T4rfconstructed/ oftsheet metal which is welded to thehorizontal flanges of the frame members l3'and M. This shelf forms part of the bottom m 'Thefiplate: ll-J's also. secured: tothisa shelf. The shelf :14 hasatta'chedrto it:-:a. conduit nipple: l5r;whi'oh:is: connecterclrv by means: ffitWO. conduit elbows: hi? and :HT t'ozthe inlet-i'lsiofi a-hsuction blower-1519:; Blowery'lSris-of conventional form andiissprovided :witira rotor; not; shown, icontainedjwithima case:,.-8.l: :and'. driven tby-ian; electric motor-82:1 This; blowers. is provided-with! at base: 83- w-hichv rests upon azzshelf 84;: similar. to the shelf I4, which latter shelf is attachedT-to the upper 'edges iof; Ithe vertical legs-oft the; channel framermembers-elfi andinl firatsaslocality beneaththe%shelf;5l4., Thezbldwencase 8"liis providedfwith a discharge; outlet? 851-which: hasiconnected to it a conduitpw whichimayr-leadi exteriorly of the building :in: which: "the": doughnut: machineis installed: orzwhichi may be: COHIIQNJBQLUO? any suitable vent: When :the bloweri'liliiszop'erated; suetion; ismreated -in the chamberzlii-v'iof. the case :and in 'the, passageways-EBrand theifumes created. in chamber-6D caused itOl; enter thesepassageways through: theslit: or; opening 811 formed. betweenthe lip 62 and the lip 28. Thesezfumesare thus drawnrouticoiathe chamben-Gll: fromrabout' the periplieryg'ofr theacooking: kettle: BI and T are thus 1 uniformly rem'oved'jfromi'thez case. Due to the inlets:98r-the blower l 91-; in: addition] to withdrawing fumes from the cooking liquidiin -the:kettle B-alsoi draws; a: film-of ain alon'go transparent panels 88 which; together: withtthea-fumes, is removed-nby thepbloweni; By causing the air'toenter the case at the; upper endsnof: the glass panels and to travel downwardly'along th'esame,

antrairsscreen is provided WhiC'hSpIEZVEHtS deposit by: the "fumesm; the; chamber" 68: of glob'ules" of cooking liquid upon the transparent panels Inthis manner-:- the. transparent panels are maintained clear and clean so that the int'erior of the doughnut: machine zisi readily visible and so that the operation ofitheomachinei can be: clearly noted."

Attached to :the uprights =89 and -to" the -uprights zl2iatwal141g i$ a:table---l 09 which situ atedabove theextension-iw oftthe-kettle B. This tablesupports certain-of the partsof the-dough- 4 nutz: 'machine,- as will hereinafterbecome apparentl In .the reservoir55 isaprovided avertical tubu lan ducts" I 01 which: communicates at its lower end -witli' 'the bottom of the said *reservoir: In this" duct -is disposed a propeller- 'or elevator "I 02 which isnnounted 1 on the armature-shaft of a: motor I33. The duct Hll communicatesiat'its. upper end witb the" runr5'l :ofchannel 231 thus discharging cocking liquid into said" channel ro'm which it flows throughout the course of the channel and is returned into reservoir 55.

Situated at the beginning of run 32 of channel 23 is a doughnut former I04 which comprises a receptacle I for dough and a cutter I06 connected therewith. Such construction being well known in the art will not be described in detail in this application. The cutter I06 is operated by an auxiliary shaft I01 journalled in a bearing I08 carried by the table I09. This shaft is driven from a transmission carried within a transmission housing I I I which, together with the former I04, is mounted on the table I09.

In the run 35 of channel 23 is arranged a twisted tubular turner II2. This turner inverts the doughnuts after the same have been cooked a predetermined length of time so that the said doughnuts may be cooked equally on both sides thereof.

In the run 54 of channel 23 is disposed an ejector II 3 for removing the cooked doughnuts from the cooking liquid, This ejector comprises a shaft H4 which is constantly driven from the transmission within the housing I I I. This shaft has mounted on it oppositely extending cranks H5 and II6. Sets of toothed blades III and H8 are mounted on the said cranks and are adapted to be alternately raised and lowered as the shaft I I4 rotates. The lower ends of these blades slide upon an inclined rest H9 which is mounted on the bottom I9 of the cooking kettle B, in the portion of the run 54 leading from the curved run 53. It will be readily comprehended that, as the doughnuts reach the said blades, the doughnuts are elevated and progressed upwardly and outwardly of the cooking kettle B. The ejector H3 is disposed within a trough I2I which directs the doughnuts upon leaving the ejector outwardly of the machine.

For controlling the rate of travel of the doughnuts along the channel two control devices I22 and I23 are employed. These control devices operate to allow the doughnuts, one at a time, to enter the turner H2 and the ejector II3. These control devices are operated by a shaft I24 driven from the transmission within the housing I I I and are moved periodically at predetermined intervals. Inasmuch as any desired construction may be used for this purpose, and since this construction does not form a particular feature of the invention, the details thereof have not been shown, nor will the same be described specifically. Where the machine is of fairly large capacity, the control devices I22 and I23 may be omitted and the rate of flow of the cooking liquid utilized to time the cooking of the doughnuts.

In the operation of the doughnut machine the blower I9 functions to create a vacuum within the chamber I3 and passageway 63, thus drawing the fumes within the chamber 60 in the upper portion of the case above the kettle B and out of the same. At the same time air is drawn in through the air inlets 98 which travels downwardly along the transparent panels 88 and prevents deposits of globules of cooking liquid from the fumes and upon said panels. By means of this construction the air passing along the panels forms a screen which protects the panels from the heat, as well as maintaining the same clean. In this way the panels are prevented from becoming uncomfortably hot and by means of the spacing of the kettle from the walls of the case and due to the insulation used, the entire exterior of the machine is maintained at a relatively low temperature, as compared with the interior of the machine.

My invention may be embodied in any type of doughnut machine without appreciably increasing the cost thereof. My invention permits of keeping the machine clean and sanitary and prevents injury to the operators or spectators of the machine in case the same is handled or touched.

Changes in the specific form of my invention, as herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a doughnut machine, a case having lat eral walls, a cooking kettle disposed within said case and spaced from certain of said walls to provide an air passageway along the same, said case providing a chamber above the cooking kettle in communication with said passageway along the periphery of the'kettle, and means for creating a suction below said kettle to draw the fumes from said chamber downwardly through said passageway and out of the case.

2. In a doughnut machine, a case having lateral walls, a cooking kettle disposed within said case and spaced from certain of said walls to provide an air passageway along the same, said case providing a chamber above the cooking kettle in communication with said passageway along the periphery of the kettle, said case being closed beneath the kettle, and a suction conduit connected to said case at a locality beneath said passageway.

3. In a doughnut machine, a case having lateral walls, a cooking kettle disposed within said case and spaced from certain of said walls to provide an air passageway along the same, said case providing a chamber above the cooking kettle in communication with said passageway along the periphery of the kettle, and means constituting a bottom extending across said case at a locality beneath said kettle and forming a closed chamber beneath the kettle communicating with said passageway, and a suction conduit extending through said means and communicating with said second named chamber.

4. In a doughnut machine, a case having lateral walls, a cooking kettle disposed within said case, said cooking kettle having a ledge projecting outwardly therefrom and a lip extending upward- 1y from the outer edge of said ledge, said lip being spaced from certain of the walls of said case to provide a passageway between the cooking kettle and the case, a guard issuing inwardly from certain of the lateral walls of the case and disposed above said ledge, said guard having a lip depending therefrom and extending toward the lip on said ledge, said second named lip being disposed in spaced relation to the first named lip to provide an inlet to said passageway, said case providing a chamber above the kettle communicating with said inlet, and means for creating a suction beneath said kettle to draw fumes from said chamber downwardly through said passageway and out of the case.

5. In a doughnut machine, a case having lateral walls, a cooking kettle disposed within said case, said cooking kettle having a ledge projecting outwardly therefrom and a lip extending upwardly from the outer edge of said ledge, said lip being spaced from certain of the walls of said case to provide a passageway between the cooking kettle and the case, a guard issuing inwardly from certain of the lateral walls of the case and disposed above said ledge, said guard having a lip depending therefrom and extending toward the lip on said-ledge, saidsec'o'nd n'amed-liprbein'g idisposed inwardly of 'said"first-named lip'toiorm an inlet tds'aid-ipassageway at the periphery-'of the: kettle, said case providing a criamber abovethe: kettleicommunicating with said inlet, 'an'dxmeans. for creating'a suction beneath said kettle to draw fume's'from the chamber in said case above 'the kettle" downwardly through said passageway. :and:

outofthecase.

6. In a doughnut machine, a case 'having:lat'-- eral wallsiacooking kettle withinsaidcase'forming in conjunction with; said case an. upperchamber above said kettle and ailower chamber belowfsaid kettle; saidicase providing an air'pas-- sageway along certain of 'said walls communi catingziwith saidlower'chamber, means forming an inlet to. said. passageway extending about the periphery of. the kettle and-communicating with the upper chamber," and means "for" creating two-- tion in-the lower chamber 'to'withdraw-the fumes aninlet, to said'passageway extending about the periphery of the kettle and communicating with the upper chamber, and means for creating suetion'in-the lower .chamber to withdraw'the fumes downwardly through said passageways and out of-the case, said case-having an air inlet at the upper portion thereof communicating. withthe upper endof the-upper chamber.

8: In adoughnut machine, a case 'havinglateral'walls; acooking kettle within saidcase-forming in conjunction withsaid case an upper chamber above saidkettle and. alower chamber below 'said kettle, said case providing: an air passageway alongcertain of saidwalls communicatingiwith said lower chamber, means vforming an inlet to said passageway extendingabout the periphery of the kettle andcommunicating with said-upper chamber, and means for creating.suctiondnthe lower chamber to withdraw the fumes downwardly through: saidipassageway and out' otthecase, said casehaving-an.airinlet at the. upper= portion thereof communicating withssaid" upper chambensaid air inlet .beingsituatedat alocality-substantially above the" inletto said passageway.

9 1 Ina-doughnut machine, a case havingilateral wallsprovided with transparent. panels. at.

the 1 upper portionsof the saine," a. cooking kettle within said' walls .formirig. iniconjunction' with said-case. an upper" chamber above said kettle bounded by 'said transparent'panels, and a lower chamber below saidkettl'e; saidcase; providing an air passageway. alongcertain of said walls communicating: with said t lower chamber; means forming an: inlet'zto said passageway extending about the periphery'of the kettle. alongicertain of the walls'ofthezcase, and means-for creating suction in the lower chamber? towithdraw'the fumes downwardly; through said passageway and out of the case, said "casehaving air-inlets in the same :at the localities" of "the: upper"v ends of said transparent: panels whereby." fresh air? is dra'wn'iintorthecase andpause'd to travel downwardly'aldng the panels: .to" form an air'screen between the fumes within thecase and the transparent panels.

10:. .In axdoughnutF-machine, a casehaving lateral'walls;;.- a cooking kettle disposed'iwithin said' case; said: case providing a" chamber above said kettle;. .said' cooking :kettle having lateral walls and a ledge projectingroutwardly; therefrom and ;alipiextendingr'upwardly from the'outer edge of said ledge:aniihsulatingpad extending perimetrically' about the lateral walls of the kettle and-'fsituated beloW-sa'idle'dge, saidlip. and pad bein'g .-SI5aCe'd"f1'OIn' certain of 'the" walls of the caseitorprovide a passageway therebetween, and meansrfor creating; a -su'ction beneathsaid kettle to draw'fumes -fi'om the chamber insaid case above; thei'kettle-downwardly through said'pas sa'gewayand out- 01? the case.

11: Ina doughnut machine-a case having lat--- eral walls;- a:-cooking kettle disposed within said case; said case providing; a chamber above said kettle} said-cookingkettle having lateral walls and a ledge projecting outwardly therefrom and a lipextendingupwardlyfrom the outer edge of "said I ledge; an insulating pad extending "about said lateral wallsand disposed beneath said ledge,-- another .insulatingpad disposed beneath the-bottom: ofthekettleand secured thereto,

. -said;lip,'.first named pad and second-named pad being: spacedfromcer-tain of' the wallsof the caseto provide a passageway therebetween,

means for creating-suctionin said-lower chamber towith'draw fumes-through saidpassageway from=the-chamber above th'ekettle and out of thecase ALEXANDER. .s. '1 LAGAARD'. 

